Top 5 Study Spots

As finals approach, Millikin students are probably looking for a nice place to cozy up and study. There are amazing places on and off campus to finish that term paper or study for that grueling cumulative exam. Whether you like a place that is dead quiet, bustling with people, or a quaint place off campus, this list has something for you.

1. River Coffee

Outside of River Coffee

River is a typical hipster coffee shop. It has an amazing atmosphere, a dull color scheme, and plenty of places to sit. This place is the perfect mix between busy and slow, so depending on what you like, River could be the perfect place for your study preferences. Not only is it a great study space, but they also have amazing beverage options. Their coffee is one of the best in Decatur, and if you’re a sucker for lemonade, they have the overpriced Oberweis lemonade to satisfy your thirst!

2. 4th Floor Staley Library

4th floor of Staley Library

If you want an ultra-quiet space to work, the fourth floor of Staley is the perfect option. The fourth floor is designated as a quiet zone with signs everywhere telling you to stay quiet. There are cubicles you can shove yourself into and get to work. But the seating isn’t very comfortable, and there isn’t a bathroom on that floor. So there are pros and cons to this study space. If your pros outweigh the cons, then go for it! If the seating means more to you than a quiet space, then the fourth-floor Staley is perfect for you.

3. Common Grounds 

Common Grounds

Some people work best in a hectic environment, so if you like busy and semi-loud environments, Common Grounds is a perfect place to study. During my freshman year, I would meet with my TA in Common Grounds, and we would always accomplish some good work. Personally, I work better in a quiet space with music blasting in my headphones, but it is really easy to get distracted when doing that. When I sit in Common Grounds, I watch other people hard at work, and it influences me to focus and get homework done. 

4. Millikin Writing Center

The Writing Center in SH211

The Millikin Writing Center is a hidden gem on campus. There is a library and two conference rooms where you can study or write. If you visit the facility from 12 PM to 5 PM on Monday to Thursday, there will more than likely be a writing tutor stationed at the front desk to help you with any writing questions you have. This space is usually very quiet and has a lot of space for your friends to study with you. So, if you have a group project or just study well around your friends, the Writing Center is a perfect place to go.

Library in the Writing Center

5. 1st Floor Scovill

1st floor Scoville

The first floor of Scoville is the most underrated study spot on Millikin’s campus. The red chairs aren’t the most comfortable, but they are much better than a lot of seating options at Millikin. Bonus points if you go there at night. At night, the building is quiet and lit up. If you get bored, you can look at the ever-changing digital signage and stock market live updates. I have finished many papers and various assignments on this floor. Some of my best work is produced on this floor.